Zaininger Engineering Company, Inc.

ZECO General Planning & Design Experience

The following selected projects and experience highlight ZECO’s credentials.

Assessment of Sunrise Powerlink CPCN Planning Process

This project for the California Public Utilities Commission Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) currently underway consists of a subcontract to Woodruff Expert Services. To date project tasks consist of performing a review and assessment of the reasonableness of portions of the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink project, associated SDGE direct testimony, other documents supplied by or downloaded from SDGE and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) web sites, and reviewing and analyzing issues in the Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Impact Statement as directed. In addition, H.W. Zaininger has prepared and presented testimony at appropriate California Public Utilities Commission hearings.

Scoping Study of Real Time Tools for Forecasting Dynamic Operating Margins

This California Energy Commission (CEC) Transmission Research Program (TRP) PIER project completed in December 2006 consisted of a subcontract to the California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE) University of California Office of the President. Tasks included ZECO determining functional capabilities necessary to determine the Southern California Import Transmission (SCIT) capability, defining current problems and issues associated with calculating the SCIT, performing a scoping study comparing promising optimization models to forecast dynamic operating margins on transmission import capability into Southern California and other key California transmission paths, and providing consultation to the TRP in developing a dynamic margins research plan.

Review of Transmission Plans in 2006 NPC and SPPC IRP’s

This project for the Nevada Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP)  consisted of a subcontract to Woodruff Expert Services.  ZECO’s role consisted of reviewing Nevada Power Company (NPC) and Sierra Pacific Power Company (SPPC) 2006 Integrated Resource Plan filings and data requests and responses; preparing assessments of alternative North/South transmission intertie and other transmission expansion scenarios, as directed by the WES project manager.

Assessment of Palo Verde – Devers #2 CPCN Planning Process

This project for the California Public Utilities Commission Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) consisted of a subcontract to Woodruff Expert Services. This project consisted of performing a review and assessment of the reasonableness of portions of the SCE Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed Palo Verde - Devers  #2 project (DPV2), associated SCE direct testimony and other documents supplied by SCE or downloaded WECC and CAISO web sites. H.W. Zaininger then prepared and presented testimony, including cross-examination, assessing the impact of DPV2 on import capability into California from the Southwest, and the reasonableness of SCE’s specifications for DPV2 at a California Public Utilities Commission hearing.

Develop Iraq Bulk Transmission System Model

This USAID project, completed at the end of March 2004, consisted of a subcontract with BearingPoint, Incorporated. The project consisted of H. W. Zaininger traveling to Baghdad and providing transmission system engineering services to the Baghdad team staff.  ZECO tasks included working closely with the Baghdad staff and Iraq power system operators, collecting appropriate electrical generation, transmission, and load data, building a 2002 pre-war peak load power flow model to calibrate power flows and voltage with previous operating experience, and developing an expected 2004 summer peak load power flow base case for the Iraq bulk power system.

Large Paper and Pulp Mills Dynamics Study

This project for Bonneville Power Administration is currently under way. The purpose of this project is to perform a parametric dynamic study of potential voltage dip and duration, and relative synchronous motor rotor angle swings at two large paper and pulp mills resulting from a number of potential nearby fault conditions. To date ZECO tasks include setting up a preliminary stability base case with appropriate dynamic data, making preliminary stability runs for various faults with and without high-speed fault clearing, adding various levels of capacitors at the mills point of delivery, and preparing plots using the GE PSLF/PSDS program. A report presenting preliminary parametric results for the two mills was completed in May 2004.

BPA Power Plant Stability Limits Study

This project for Bonneville Power Administration is currently under way. The purpose of this project is to perform a stability analysis for a three-unit power plant in the Northwest US to determine expected increases in plant output capability with high-speed fault clearing. To date ZECO tasks include setting up a preliminary stability base case with appropriate dynamic data, making preliminary stability runs for various faults with and without high-speed fault clearing, and preparing plots using the GE PSLF/PSDS program. A report presenting preliminary results was completed in September 2003.

CEC Transmission System Engineering Assistance

This subcontract to Aspen Environmental Group, completed in December 2003 consisted of providing transmission system engineering services to the California Energy Commission staff to conduct application for certification review of proposed new power plants in both Northern and Southern California. ZECO provided transmission system engineering services to the CEC for the SMUD Cosumnes Power Plant Project, the Palomar Energy Project, the Roseville Energy Facility, the Rio Linda/Elverta Power Plant Project, the Colusa Power Project, and the East Altamont Energy Center. ZECO tasks include performing cursory transmission engineering review of alternative plant sites, performing load flow studies using the GE PSLF program, reviewing system impact studies, attending CEC workshops and hearings, and preparing preliminary and final transmission system engineering staff assessment testimony for several proposed power plants in California.

 BPA Worst Case Voltage Dip and Duration Dynamics Study

This project for Bonneville Power Administration was completed in June 2002. The dynamics study was performed to determine expected voltage dip and duration at a large mill containing large induction and synchronous motors over the first few seconds following various faults applied to 115 kV and 230 kV lines in the vicinity of the mill. The study was performed with the GE PSLF/PSDS program.

GE Transmission System Analysis Services

This project for General Electric was completed in March 2002. The purpose of this project was to assist GE in performing a transmission system impact study for a potential large new generation project in New York State. ZECO tasks included developing base cases, performing thermal, voltage and interface transfer analysis using the GE PSLF program, and assisting in writing a transmission system impact study report.

 Sandia Bulk Power System Modeling

This project for Sandia National Laboratories was completed in March 2002. Tasks included identifying appropriate regional US bulk power system models, setting up base cases in GE PSLF format, and assisting Sandia in setting up procedures for performing appropriate reliability analysis.

 BPA Stability Analysis

This project for Bonneville Power Administration was completed in September 2001. The purpose of this project was to perform a stability analysis for several proposed generators in the Northwest US. ZECO tasks included developing appropriate dynamic data, setting up stability bases cases, making an appropriate stability analysis, and plots using the GE PSLF program. 

PG&E NEG Transmission Consulting Services

This project for PG&E NEG was completed in June 2001. The purpose of this work was to perform a preliminary transmission system investigation of several potential generating sites.

SCE Transmission System Impact Studies

This project for Southern California Edison was completed in September 2000. The purpose of this project was to perform a complete transmission system impact study for a potential new large generation project using the GE PSLF program and appropriate SCE, Cal-ISO, WSCC and NERC transmission reliability assessment criteria. For this system impact study tasks included 1) performing steady state load flow and contingency analysis, 2) performing transient stability analysis 3) performing post-transient voltage deviation analysis and 4) writing a transmission system impact report.

 SDGE Long-Term Regional Transmission Study Assistance

This project for San Diego Gas & Electric Co. was completed in October 2000. The purpose of this project was to assist SDGE in performing a long-term regional transmission study. The assigned tasks included 1) performing steady state load flow and contingency analysis, and 2) performing post-transient voltage deviation and reactive margin analysis using the GE PSLF program, and 3) providing assistance in report preparation.

 California ISO Transmission Operating Reliability Requirements Study

H.W. Zaininger played a significant role in this project for the Trust Advisory Committee and California Independent System Operator as a member of the power Technologies, Inc. project team. The purpose of this project completed in July 1997 was to (1) review existing transmission reliability criteria and recast the criteria to incorporate considerations of location and non-location specific ancillary services, (2) compare the existing criteria with two other standards, (3) perform a transmission system assessment to quantify and identify location-dependent must-run generation and ancillary services required to fulfill transmission system operational reliability criteria when beginning CA ISO operation.

MEC 500 MW Cordova Plant Transmission System Reliability Study

This project for MidAmerican Energy Company (MEC) completed in September 1999 consisted of a subcontract to Power Technologies, Inc. The purpose of the Study was to determine if adequate electric system capability is expected to be available on MEC's electric system to provide the 500 MW generation plant interconnection. The study included power flow, stability, and power transfer capability analysis. H.W. Zaininger’s role was to perform the power transfer capability analysis. The results of this study were presented to the MAPP Design Review Subcommittee for approval.

 Sears Tower Cogeneration Plant Interconnection Testimony

This project for the law firm of Sidley & Austin was completed in January 1998. This project consisted of performing a technical review of reliability and safety issues concerning the interconnection of 12,800 kW of cogeneration to the Commonwealth Edison distribution network in the Sears Tower. Testimony and supporting documents prepared by Sears Tower cogeneration developer and appropriate ComEd distribution network interconnection standards were reviewed. H.W. Zaininger then prepared and presented testimony, including cross examination, describing the results of the technical review at an Illinois Commerce Commission hearing.

New Martinsville Generation Plant Interconnection Testimony

This project for the law firm of Shuman, Annand & Poe was completed in September 1998. (1) Testimony and supporting documents for interconnecting a proposed 115 MW Phase 1, 230 MW Phase 2 New Martinsville generation plant to the Allegheny Power System  transmission system prepared by the generation plant developer, and appropriate APS transmission system planning standards and cost data were reviewed. (2) Appropriate transmission system analysis was performed, local overloads were determined and system upgrades were identified using system data and assumptions similar to those available to the developer. (3) Expected transmission system upgrade costs were compared with the developer’s costs. (4) H.W. Zaininger then prepared testimony describing the significant errors and inadequacies of developer’s interconnection report.

 Investigate HEMP Interaction with T&D Systems

This project, completed in January 1985, consisted of a 13-month contract with Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). The primary purpose of this study was to investigate corona effects on the early time response to HEMP on T&D lines, determine insulation stresses on line supports and substation equipment, and determine HEMP interaction with a simplified distribution system.  The final reports, ORNL‑SUB‑84‑73986‑2, HEMP Interaction with an Electrical Power Distribution Circuit, and ORNL‑SUB‑84‑73986‑1, HEMP Induced Transients in Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Lines, were published in August 1985 and September 1985 respectively.

Investigate EMP Interaction and Coupling with Electric Power Systems

This project, completed in December 1983, consisted of a 13-month contract with Union Carbide Corporation, Nuclear Division (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). The primary purpose of this study was to characterize electric power systems for EMP interaction and coupling studies, calculate the early time front‑of‑wave response of three phase T&D lines to high altitude EMP, and calculate the response of EHV transmission systems.  The final report, ORNL‑SUB‑82‑47905‑1, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Interaction with Electric Power Systems, was published in August 1984.

 Develop Initial Version of EPRI Technical Assessment Guide

While employed by EPRI, H.W. Zaininger played a major role in the development of the initial version of the EPRI Technical Assessment Guide, which has been used extensively throughout the world to make technical and economic cost/benefit evaluations of alternative electric power system supply-side and demand-side RD&D activities.

Developed EPRI Synthetic Utility Systems

H.W. Zaininger developed the EPRI Synthetic Utility Systems for evaluating advanced technologies while employed by Power Technologies, Inc. Six synthetic utility generation and transmission systems and a "plug in" distribution system were developed, along with appropriate typical utility data for making utility-oriented generation, transmission and distribution system technical and economic cost/benefit assessments.  These systems and data have been widely used in the United States and throughout the world.  The final report, Report No. EPRI EM-285, “Synthetic Electric Utility Systems for Evaluating Advanced Technologies,” (co-authors: H.W. Zaininger, et al.) was published in February 1977.

Generation, Transmission and Distribution Planning for Illinois Power

While responsible for generation planning at Illinois Power Company, H.W. Zaininger performed numerous technical and economic assessments of alternative generation expansion and existing unit retirement strategies, and made recommendations to IP management leading to the announcement of the 450 MW Havana 6 coal‑fired cycling unit installed in 1978, and the 950 MW Clinton nuclear unit completed in 1986.  In the transmission area, he performed several load flow studies, and a stability study for the Clinton power plant, including developing appropriate stability data for the Clinton nuclear unit, representation of other interconnected generation, and transmission characteristics.  In the distribution area, he performed a study of the city of Jacksonville municipal distribution system to determine requirements and costs to interconnect the Jacksonville system to the IP system, and made recommendations to IP management leading to the purchase of this distribution system.

Power System Planning and Operating Economics Course

H.W. Zaininger taught an advanced course on Power System Planning and Operating Economics for electrical power engineers and regulatory personnel in planning and analytical operations at The Center for Professional Advancement in New Jersey for 20 years, from 1978 through 1997. The course topics included consideration of central station and distributed resources, T&D planning and operation, least cost planning and evaluation of alternative energy systems.

Transmission and Distribution Line Design for Illinois Power

While employed by Illinois Power Company as a transmission and distribution line design engineer, H.W. Zaininger designed several transmission and distribution lines ranging from 12 kV to 345 kV.  His work included electrical design, structure design, foundation design, tower spotting, and the preparation of complete construction specifications.  In particular, he developed a first‑generation computerized method of tower analysis for both wood and steel structures using statically indeterminate stiffness analysis techniques.  He then used this early-computerized methodology to analyze approximately ten different transmission tower types.  He also performed various reliability and economic assessments of alternative overhead and underground T&D system designs.

Develop and Apply T&D Line Design Optimization Program

H.W. Zaininger developed the first‑generation transmission and distribution line design optimization program, LOP‑1, for Power Technologies, Inc.  This program integrates alternative electrical line design considerations and structural tower and foundation designs to economically optimize conductor size and span length for a specified tower type and configuration.  This program includes both capital and operation and maintenance considerations.   In particular, he then applied LOP‑1 in two large transmission line design studies during a 1 year foreign assignment in Brazil:  1) optimizing the design of the first 800 kV system in Brazil, approximately 3000 miles of 800 kV transmission line; and 2) optimizing the design of approximately 1000 miles of 500 kV transmission line.

Generation System Operation, Reliability and Economic Assessments of Advanced Generation Technologies

ZECO has performed numerous projects assessing generation system production, operation and maintenance, reliability and economic impacts of advanced generation technologies. The following highlight projects ZECO's credentials: